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Pentjak silat : Martial art

A clandestine defense

Religious beliefs and defense as opposed to attack seem to permeate most martial art forms. This is perhaps most true of Pentjak Silat, the main fighting style of the magnificent Indonesion archipeligo. Opting for an obviation of mysticism, for the true understanding of both self and creator, very much lies at its core.

Although debatable, there exists approximately two hundred styles within Indonesia itself and many times that number in neighbouring island countries. It is not entirely certain when these practices were initiated into the culture, but by the Sixth Century they were firmly established and flourishing in both Sumatra and the Malay peninsula.

Silat as a word refers to the reality of the moment, that is combat itself, while Pentjak means 'body movement' and refers to the training involved to achieve unbreakable defensivness and if required, lethal attack. No system exists for the naming of each style, as each is unique. Some are simply named for their place of origin, whilst others for the person who branched it to present becomings. Others are named for the inspirasi involved in its stylings.

A good example of this is 'Harimau" which is based upon the movements of the tiger, that is ground based, crouching, launched attacks, hands and arms being as useful as feet and legs, and vice versa. The most established form of Silat is known as Silat perisai-diri, with well over 100,000 practitioners in Indonesia itself and many centres of learning being established all over the world.

However this is not a typical happening within the world of Silat, and despite it's growing exposure since WWII, many forms have and will remain underground, some even being refused recognition by their own governments. While Perisai-diri is a serious enough form to be used as a technique involved in the training of both police and military forces, other more questionable displays of silat have begun to emerge.

The thing of it which is questionable is the purpose, which raises the question of what lies beneath. Silat Pulut for instance is a form that is purely for display, for weddings and other public ceromonies. To an untrained eye it appears to have all the intensity of any form of martial art, especially due to the accompanying music. Yet to someone of Silat background, it appears a watered down version of somthing they know to be more intense.

While Silat becomes increasingly accessible to the western world, it is (ironically enough) sometimes quite difficult to find a good teacher who will pass on their skills and knowledge within Indonesia itself, most folks being inducted to a style by introduction through a family member or close friend. Hence the saying 'You do not choose Silat, Silat chooses you'.

Article by Jefferson, Ballina NSW.